Thinking too much? - Vortex Razor HD or Swarovski SLC 10x42

[BjornF16]

I'm ready to upgrade my glass. I've been using Leupold BX-2 Acadia since 2011. They weigh 28 oz. I made the mistake of looking through some SLCs at range the other day.

SLCs are on sale now, advertised for $1599.

Razor HDs are on sale, advertised for $949.

I can get 10% additional off those prices. I hunt a few times a year. One trip to either NM or CO for elk, then deer hunting in TX.

So some questions:

1. Are the SLCs worth the extra $600? (I've read the S&S Archery reviews and I realize the SLCs are better...but are they $600 better when using handheld and not on tripod?)

2. Where are the current crop of of Razor HDs made? China, Japan or Philippines?

Thanks,
Björn

 

[LightFoot]

They are $600 better if you don't need that money for other gear. If all your other gear is dialed in and you can afford it...

No one has ever said, "I should not have bought Swarovskis."

>>>----JAKE----->

 

[Tahoe1305]

Razor HD right now in China at least with my latest sample.

 

[NoWiser]

If you are curious about the Swaros and buy the Razor HDs instead, you’ll end up with the SLCs eventually. When you have to sell those Razors, you’ll take a hit. SLCs at 10% off the sale price will hold their value quite well.

 

[Tahoe1305]

Contentious, long winded post. Warning!

I think Razor HDs are great value. Light. Good glass. Smooth. And amazing price. Are the Swaros twice as good. IMO no. Will you some day want Swaros? Yup. But that doesn’t mean even the MIC razors aren’t great binos. I own the razors and one day will likely own some Swaros and then have a great pair of b/u binos or let my kid roll with some really good binos too. I can afford Swaros, I compared some to razors and personally wasn’t ready to shell out twice as much for what I was getting. In reality I don’t trust myself not to drop them and then end up paying a few hundred in repair costs. I’ve personally never had an issue in the field with vortex but like to know if something is my fault I can get new ones. Is it a sales gimmick? Maybe. But they stick to it and I like the piece of mind.

Some of the best hunting shows (IMO) show folks using razors (yes they may get paid to) but fact is they still find great game and I seriously doubt they switch when off camera to their Swaros (although that would be some funny stuff). My point is if you are hunting and looking for animals and don’t need the very best, then the razors will be great.

There is a cult following for Swaros here and likely for good reason. But don’t think they are needed to find great animals.

Always happy to play devils advocate. Rant complete.

 

[BjornF16]

Made in china is an issue for me...

My Mark 1 eyeballs are now nearing 59 years old...8x42s or 10x42s better for occasional hunting out west; most hunting in TX?

 

[svillalobos]

Between razor and swaro there is a difference, light gathering crisp out to the edge, clarity, wether what you see when looking through them is of $600 value is different for everyone, when in doubt(and if the budget warrants it) buy Swaro and you will probably be better off on the resale.

 

[brsnow]

Contentious, long winded post. Warning!

I think Razor HDs are great value. Light. Good glass. Smooth. And amazing price. Are the Swaros twice as good. IMO no. Will you some day want Swaros? Yup. But that doesn’t mean even the MIC razors aren’t great binos. I own the razors and one day will likely own some Swaros and then have a great pair of b/u binos or let my kid roll with some really good binos too. I can afford Swaros, I compared some to razors and personally wasn’t ready to shell out twice as much for what I was getting. In reality I don’t trust myself not to drop them and then end up paying a few hundred in repair costs. I’ve personally never had an issue in the field with vortex but like to know if something is my fault I can get new ones. Is it a sales gimmick? Maybe. But they stick to it and I like the piece of mind.

Some of the best hunting shows (IMO) show folks using razors (yes they may get paid to) but fact is they still find great game and I seriously doubt they switch when off camera to their Swaros (although that would be some funny stuff). My point is if you are hunting and looking for animals and don’t need the very best, then the razors will be great.

There is a cult following for Swaros here and likely for good reason. But don’t think they are needed to find great animals.

Always happy to play devils advocate. Rant complete.

they only show them using razors on camera, hard to know what they are really using. Always happy to play devils advocate.

 

[rodney482]

Pr of SLC in classifieds 1375

 

[svillalobos]

Pr of SLC in classifieds 1375

In my area razors won’t go for more then $800 so I guess it’s pretty comparable

 

[svillalobos]

Where are you finding the razors for $949?

 

[BjornF16]

Where are you finding the razors for $949?

Govx.com

 

[svillalobos]

Well at that price and if you can’t get your hands on both to compare so you can see for yourself, the razors might be the way to go, you will definitely not be disappointed with the razor!

 

[ljalberta]

SLCs were worth the extra coin for me! Been using them for 3 years and have zero regrets. I personally wasn't overly impressed by the Razor HD's I used in the 12x50 model, although I know some people who swear by them. I do like the Razor spotter though.

 

[NoWiser]

Made in china is an issue for me...

My Mark 1 eyeballs are now nearing 59 years old...8x42s or 10x42s better for occasional hunting out west; most hunting in TX?

I spend 1-2 weeks per year hunting out west and hunt deer and turkey in MN as well. I tried 10x and it was a mistake. I have 8x SLCs now and am in love with them (aside from the cheap-feeling focus wheel.)

 

[Researcher]

You can get SLC HDs for 1000-1100 on ebay in used but very good condition

 

[Napperm4]

I had a lot of similar thoughts and had them both (along with the to be mentioned CLs). Ended up keeping the Swaros before upgrading them to EL’s

The razors compared really close the Gen1 CL companions in 10x30 when it came to light gathering. The SLC destroyed both in low light and less than ideal conditions.


Clarity on either of those vs SLC’s was noticeably different when mounted, negligible when hand holding. When hand holding I tend to be taking a quick look and focusing my attention on the sweet spot. Mounted I actually tend to catch more from the corner of my eye so to speak meaning the usefulness of edge to edge is an advantage if you ever plan to mount your Binos.

I like the faster focus of the SLC. Ergonomics for holding is a wash for me. No preference for Slc over vortex or vice versa. Depth of focus was much better on the SLC

My eyes are really sensitive to CA. It was more prevalent in the razor HD’s than the SLC’s. When using on a tripod and all day flashing sessions, my eyes were more fatigued and needed more breaks with the razors. Small difference but I spend a lot of time behind glass and like to be as efficient as possible.

Swaro has the better eye relief which is great because I’m usually wearing sunglasses and can use the Slc without taking them off.

The SLC produced a more natural color to my eye where the razor had more of a blue/purple hue depending on the atmospheric conditions.

I could find game with both, but honestly if I went with Razors, I’m 100% the guy that would sit there wondering and regretting not getting the one I knew I wanted. I’m also pretty happy that when I went to EL’s I was able to sell my SLC’s for what I paid 2 years prior. Took a bath on anything vortex I bought new and sold to finance my glass fetish.

 

[Str8shtr]

SLCs are better built and better glass. Also swaros will hold their value better than the razors. I'll take the swaros for $600 more.

 

[BluMtn]

Back when Vortex first came in to the market I upgraded to a pair 12x50 razors. I thought they were pretty good. Had them for several years and I had an accident with them. Got into a pissing match with Vortex about their "great warranty" and took the replacement they sent me and sold it and every piece of Vortex I had. Bought a pair of Swaro 12X50 ELs. Best move I ever made. There is no comparison between the two. If you are even halfway considering owning Swaro, do it now. Don't waste your time with Vortex.

 

[amassi]

I'm ready to upgrade my glass. I've been using Leupold BX-2 Acadia since 2011. They weigh 28 oz. I made the mistake of looking through some SLCs at range the other day.

SLCs are on sale now, advertised for $1599.

Razor HDs are on sale, advertised for $949.

I can get 10% additional off those prices. I hunt a few times a year. One trip to either NM or CO for elk, then deer hunting in TX.

So some questions:

1. Are the SLCs worth the extra $600? (I've read the S&S Archery reviews and I realize the SLCs are better...but are they $600 better when using handheld and not on tripod?)

2. Where are the current crop of of Razor HDs made? China, Japan or Philippines?

Thanks,
Björn

1- yes- 100%
2- China( thought the op was asking about uhd)
3- did you see this thread

www.rokslide.com/forums/threads/vortex-uhd-vs-swarovski.151910/&share_tid=151910&share_fid=45046&share_type=t&link_source=app

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